Tuesday night, Oct. 22, 2013, the usually quiet library was congested with mingling students. There was a mixture of athletes, Staples Players and members of various clubs throughout Staples in attendance. All of these students had one common goal: to become a part of the nationally recognized program Safe Rides.
“I would call Safe Rides the baby boomer out of all the clubs at Staples. It’s expanding rapidly,” Will Haskell ’14, a Safe Rides board member, said as prospective members poured into the library.
Enthusiastic members like Haskell look forward to the expansion of their club.
“We’re really looking forward to the new members joining,” Jennie Blumenfeld ’15, another board member, said.
At the training sessions, the student and adult board members go over the rules and procedures Safe Rides members must follow when on duty.
Julie Mombello, the director of Safe Rides in Westport, explained to the prospective members the responsibility that goes along with being a member.
“What many people don’t know is that Safe Rides is a nationally recognized program. It’s a big deal and there’s a lot of rules that need to be followed,” Elizabeth Coogan ’14 said. “If a procedure isn’t followed correctly, there could be legal consequences”.
The group that attended last night’s session included freshmen, sophomores, juniors, and seniors, all interested in joining the group.
“I think that joining Safe Rides will definitely get me to branch out and meet new people. I mean you are going to have to spend your Saturday night with them so you have to make the best of it,” Georgia Nicklin ’16, a new member, said.
The club is looking for more additions to keep up their newfound reputation as the baby boomer club.
The last training session will be held Thursday, Oct. 24, 2013, in the cafeteria after school.
